So this is why you shouldn’t hike in the dark

I was thinking it was because you might fall to your death off the edge of a cliff, with your final thoughts being that you should have got that earlier train, shortly followed by knowing Jenny’s going to kill me. I was wrong, it’s because you miss views like these. Luckily I didn’t miss them as you can see them from just outside Swanage, but would have been nice to have a closer look. I was standing right next to them the night before but could only make out an outline. I find it funny that I walked all along that cliff and couldn’t see how high I was.

Swanage to Kimmeridge Bay

I’ve not been using my watch to navigate too much on this trip. Occasionally it’s handy for knowing how far somewhere is but generally the path is marked very clearly. You can just walk without concentrating on the route too much. Caught me out a couple of times but nothing significant. The worst part is probably walking out of Swanage, but if you look lost enough and have a rucksack someone will kindly point you in the right direction.

The Jurassic coast is so amazing. I had some amazing views and took far too many photos. I met some really nice people who’d stop for a quick chat which was great. Although I was under quite a lot of pressure to push on I couldn’t stop myself engaging in chat – especially when we were talking about me!

I found it pretty hard going in terms of terrain. After 10 miles the views stop making up for it. I wasn’t messing around today and was walking proper. Which meant I was using walking poles and had leggings on. It’s still pretty warm but some parts of the path have brambles and nettles so it’s good to just push through without worrying about getting stung. Having said that, most of the path so far has been really good and well defined. Just the odd bit was a little overgrown. Still, I would thoroughly recommend walking here, it’s amazing. Just a little steep at times.

I was having a few technical issues. My phone was refusing to charge properly, one of the pouches on my rucksack kept on dropping off, and I was low on water and couldn’t seem to drink enough to quench my thirst. On top of this I was concerned as I’d noticed a danger area when looking at the map the night before. I had decided that it wasn’t dangerous and just assumed I’d be able to walk through so just ignored it. As I walked along the coast path towards Kimmeridge, and the sound of explosions and gun fire got louder, I started to suspect that I maybe wouldn’t be able to ignore it for much longer.

I got a taxi

About a mile outside Kimmeridge I decided I needed to address some of these issues. I was worried I may already be in the danger area and I needed my phone to check the map, but this was low on battery and wouldn’t charge. So I decided to stop stressing and do something. I sat down on the path and using a toothpick from my handy penknife started getting all the fluff out of the charger port on my phone. 10 minutes later and success, it now charged. Now to check the danger area, good news, I wasn’t in it yet. Even better news, just before the danger zone was a range warden’s hut and also a cafe. Things were looking up.

I got to the hut and talked to one of the guys in there. The path would be closed until Saturday, but at 5pm a road would be opened so the diversion wouldn’t be so big. It didn’t look too bad on his map. It was 4pm so I set off for the cafe. Then more success, there was a water tap to fill bottles. Things were looking up.

Then I went to the cafe and they said that even with the road open the diversion was about 20 miles. Bother. Their best advice, get a taxi to Lulworth Cove to get past the range. I was disappointed but I think I did all I could do. On a positive note the taxi driver was very nice and we compared children stories. The drive was exactly what I’d have had to walk and it was long. I’d also have got lost multiple times as I’d have no idea of the route. Gutting.

Lulworth Cove to Osmington Mills

Again, it was pretty hard going. Lots of climbs and descents. Really took it out of me if I’m honest. My pack is hurting me a bit so I’m not sure if it’s fit properly. I don’t think I noticed so much on the coast to coast as my knee and feet were hogging my attention.

After about 5 miles things got a lot easier and I managed to get food at a pub before going to a campsite. I haven’t built up the courage for a wild camp yet. I’m not sure I will. But today definitely wasn’t the day for it.

Do you think these are ok to eat?  I think they are and they taste really nice but was a bit worried as they are growing wild. I’m eating them anyway.

The path seems to have an endless supply of them.

On balance

I think today was good. Disappointed to have to get the taxi but realistic that I had no alternative. Tomorrow I’m onto Weymouth and around Portland Bill. Wonder what form of transport I’ll cheat with this time! And in other exciting news, I think I might wear different shorts.